Rep. John Conyers Jr.

John Conyers Jr. ranks 33rd in votes missed of the 434 voting lawmakers in the current Congress, which began this year.

Most Common Explanation Types

ProPublica categorized the many reasons members gave for missing votes. Of these explanations —which are not mandatory— half of all explanations are unclear, simply restating the absence. Also commonly cited are personal and family obligations, and ill health.

91

Personal or family matter

39

Ambiguous or no reason

24

Official business

Types of Votes Explained

We classified votes into three categories: On amendments to bills, which are numerous and can be voted on very quickly; on bills considered “under suspension of the rules,” which are usually uncontroversial and require two-thirds support for passage, and on “floor votes,” which include votes “on passage” and require a simple majority for approval.